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Talavalu send off celebration — They’re heading to Suva

Talavalu send off at DDW
reporters@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Family and Friends gathered Friday at the DDW Restaurant for dinner send-off of the ASRU American Samoa National Rugby Team TALAVALU heading to the Oceania Sevens Championships to be held in Suva, Fiji November 7-9, 2019.

The event was graciously hosted by Leilua Stevenson of DDW and Sally Faumuina, both of whom also donated generously during the athlete’s and coaching staff’s family sivas.

The Governor’s Office was represented by the Governor’s office Deputy Chief of staff Minnie Tuia and Lt. Governor’s Secretary Sally Faumuina.

After a brief prayer service and words of encouragement from Rev. Iasepi Ulu of the Fagatogo CCCAS Church, families and friends enjoyed dinner, dancing and listening to ASRU secretary/treasurer Monique Solofa give a brief history of the ASRU Talavalu and its trials and tribulations in trying to get into international rugby competitions.

The Good Luck cake was blessed by Rev. Ulu  and cut by Mrs. Lefua Amio Malaga-Levu on behalf of her brother, ASRU Chairman I'iga Peseta Sa Mavaega, who was unable to attend. Also unable to attend was Mr. Taupau Tauileave Toluono of Pentagon Samoa, who is sponsoring uniforms, layover accommodations, and media coverage of the Talavalu as they embark on this quest to qualify for future international games.

Rugby Board member Leota Setefano Fata represented the Union in thanking everyone in attendance before the evening ended.

Earlier in the day the Lt. Gov. Lemanu Peleti Mauga presented team Talavalu with a check from the American Samoa Government for $5,000. ThE raised another $5,000+ for the team.

Faafetai Amerika Samoa le fai tama. Alo i ou faiva Talavalu. O a outou mama na.